Essex Library Association

Program for kids ages birth-3 and their caregivers. A play-based music and movement story time for young children and their caregivers!
At Essex Library, we are committed to providing high-quality story time experiences that foster early literacy, social-emotional growth, and a lifelong love of learning.
What to expect:
Each Wiggle Worms session begins with a welcome song where children (or caregivers) are invited to introduce themselves (or their little one), helping build confidence. We sing interactive songs that encourage vocabulary development and gross motor movement, then share a story together while modeling early literacy skills by pointing to words, turning pages, and engaging with the book. After the first book, we play and sing with interactive toys such as shakers, scarves, and rhythm sticks before we wrap up with one final story and a goodbye song.
After story time, families are encouraged to stay, play, and socialize in our Children's Room. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to make friends, caregivers to connect, and our library community to grow together.
This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Due to space, Please choose 1 session per day to attend.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration required.

Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)  

Middlesex County

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Connecticut

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)  

Program for kids ages birth-3 and their caregivers.  A play-based music and movement story time for young children and their...

Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)

If you’re tired of repeating the same relational patterns and feeling like you lose yourself in your partnerships, then this event is for you! Join us for a transformative conversation with relationship expert Mark Groves as we discuss his groundbreaking book,&nbsp;Liberated Love: How to Release Codependency, Reduce Conflict, and Create Extraordinary Relationships.&nbsp;This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required for all virtual author talks. Register online at www.youressexlibrary.org or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560.

Local Event: Liberated Love: Rewiring Your Heart for Authentic Connection with Mark Groves (Virtual Author Talk)

Liberated Love: Rewiring Your Heart for...

If you’re tired of repeating the same relational patterns and feeling like you lose yourself in your partnerships, then this...

Liberated Love: Rewiring Your Heart for Authentic Connection with Mark Groves (Virtual Author Talk)

Program designed for caregivers and their child, age birth – 2.
Sharing in playtime is an excellent way to help children build social skills, promote learning, and discover that the library is a destination for fun! Children will have the opportunity to practice skills such as following directions, socializing with others, using language, and using small and large muscles. Come meet new friends, bond with your little one, and explore the many resources your neighborhood library has to offer!
What to Expect:
The Essex Library children’s room already has amazing toys for all ages, such as our train table, our sensory book collection, and our many puzzles! During baby playtime, caregivers are encouraged to explore the library’s existing toy collection, and extra items will be set up around the room that support fine and gross motor play – specifically for our youngest little ones!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Local Event: Baby Playtime (Birth - Age 2)

Baby Playtime (Birth - Age 2)

Program designed for caregivers and their child, age birth – 2.
Sharing in playtime is an excellent way to help children build...

Do you have questions about Medicare coverage or are you enrolling in Medicare?&nbsp;Register for a one-hour session (3 p.m. or 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. time slots) with a CHOICES counselor at Essex Library Association. CHOICES (Connecticut's program for Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, and Eligibility Screening) helps Connecticut's older adults and persons with disabilities understand their Medicare coverage and healthcare options.&nbsp;This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required.&nbsp;

Local Event: CHOICES Medicare Counseling at Essex Library Association

CHOICES Medicare Counseling at Essex Library...

Do you have questions about Medicare coverage or are you enrolling in Medicare? Register for a one-hour session (3 p.m. or 4...

CHOICES Medicare Counseling at Essex Library Association

Be transported to colonial New York through the words of Washington Irving’s spine-tingling tale. Follow Connecticut school teacher Ichabod Crane as he becomes the target of a ghostly apparition: the famed Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. As the night darkens, and hoof beats approach, feel the suspense build as fear and folktale blend in this perennial Halloween favorite.
This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Local Event: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a reading with Michael Langlois at Essex Library

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a reading with...

Be transported to colonial New York through the words of Washington Irving’s spine-tingling tale. Follow Connecticut school...

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a reading with Michael Langlois at Essex Library

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Join the Essex Library’s Children’s Librarian for a story time celebrating all things spooky, featuring themed books, songs, and a spooky craft! Children are encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes.
Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy concepts like colors, shapes, opposites, the ABCs and much more, to prepare our pre-school age children for kindergarten.
What to expect:
Each Little Learners session begins with a welcome song where each child is invited to dance and celebrate themselves. We sing interactive songs that encourage vocabulary development and gross motor movement, then read a story together. After the first book, we sing a few more songs and read another story. We conclude our time together with 3-4 craft and play centers that help children develop their early math, literacy, and motor skills.
After story time, families are encouraged to stay, play, and socialize in our Children's Room. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to make friends, caregivers to connect, and our library community to grow together.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is requested to ensure enough crafts are prepared.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=598126&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Little Learners Story Time: Halloween! (Ages 2-5)

Little Learners Story Time: Halloween! (Ages 2-5)

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Join the Essex Library’s Children’s Librarian for a story time celebrating all things spooky,...

Enjoy a movie on the big screen in the Buel Room of Essex Library! For the movie title, visit the Events Calendar on www.youressexlibrary.org or call the library at 860-767-1560.

Local Event: Movie Matinee at Essex Library Association

Movie Matinee at Essex Library Association

Enjoy a movie on the big screen in the Buel Room of Essex Library! For the movie title, visit the Events Calendar on...

Program for kids of all ages.
Come to the library in costume, say the magic words, and get a special treat (one per kiddo, please!)
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration is required, drop in!

Local Event: Trick or Treat at the Essex Library (All Ages)

Trick or Treat at the Essex Library (All Ages)

Program for kids of all ages.
Come to the library in costume, say the magic words, and get a special treat (one per kiddo,...

Program for kids of all ages.
We’ve got a banner, you’ve got some costumes, and we’re ready to join in on the fun! March with the Essex Library in the annual Essex Halloween Parade!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
We will meet at the Essex Post Office, 12 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426.
Registration is required.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=&amp;EventID=598128&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: March with Essex Library in the Essex Halloween Parade! (All Ages)

March with Essex Library in the Essex Halloween...

Program for kids of all ages.
We’ve got a banner, you’ve got some costumes, and we’re ready to join in on the fun! March with...

March with Essex Library in the Essex Halloween Parade! (All Ages)

Join us at Essex Library for a 2-part Hatha yoga series, led by Lisa Sanders. Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga that uses physical techniques such as breathwork and mindful yoga movements for balance, strength and stability. Lisa also incorporates yoga philosophy, singing bowls and mindfulness into each session. This drop-in program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Space is limited to 15 participants. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own.

Local Event: Hatha Yoga at Essex Library Association

Hatha Yoga at Essex Library Association

Join us at Essex Library for a 2-part Hatha yoga series, led by Lisa Sanders. Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga that uses physical...

Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3) 

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3) 

In a fast-paced world that often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, true healing does not come from looking outward—it begins within. Join us for a transformative virtual conversation with Indigenous Medicine Woman Asha Frost as she explores her groundbreaking book,&nbsp;You Are the Medicine: 13 Indigenous Teachings to Connect to Your Inner Wisdom, Reclaim Your Power, and Heal.This program is free and open to the public. Register online at www.youressexlibrary.org or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560, or clicking <a href="https://libraryc.org/essexlib/217095" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE.</a>

Local Event: Reclaiming Your Inner Wisdom: Sacred Indigenous Teachings with Asha Frost (Virtual Author Talk)

Reclaiming Your Inner Wisdom: Sacred Indigenous...

In a fast-paced world that often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, true healing does not come from looking...

Reclaiming Your Inner Wisdom: Sacred Indigenous Teachings with Asha Frost (Virtual Author Talk)

Program for kids ages birth-4 and their caregivers.
Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us!
Program funded in part by the&nbsp;<a href="https://middlesexcountycf.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Community Foundation of Middlesex County</a>, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration required. Drop in!

Local Event: Sensory Playtime (Birth - Age 4)

Sensory Playtime (Birth - Age 4)

Program for kids ages birth-4 and their caregivers.
Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the...

Do you have questions about Medicare coverage or are you enrolling in Medicare?&nbsp;Register for a one-hour session with a CHOICES counselor at Essex Library Association. CHOICES (Connecticut's program for Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, and Eligibility Screening) helps Connecticut's older adults and persons with disabilities understand their Medicare coverage and healthcare options.&nbsp;Time slots are available at 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library Association, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Registration is required.

Local Event: Medicare Counseling at Essex Library

Medicare Counseling at Essex Library

Do you have questions about Medicare coverage or are you enrolling in Medicare? Register for a one-hour session with a CHOICES...

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Kids, come celebrate our prehistoric friends with stories, songs, and fun activities, all to help us celebrate DINOvember!
Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy concepts like colors, shapes, opposites, the ABCs and much more, to prepare our pre-school age children for kindergarten.
What to expect:
Each Little Learners session begins with a welcome song where each child is invited to dance and celebrate themselves. We sing interactive songs that encourage vocabulary development and gross motor movement, then read a story together. After the first book, we sing a few more songs and read another story. We conclude our time together with 3-4 craft and play centers that help children develop their early math, literacy, and motor skills.
After story time, families are encouraged to stay, play, and socialize in our Children's Room. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to make friends, caregivers to connect, and our library community to grow together.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is requested to ensure enough crafts are prepared.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=600913&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Little Learners Story Time: Dinosaurs (Ages 2-5)

Little Learners Story Time: Dinosaurs (Ages 2-5)

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Kids, come celebrate our prehistoric friends with stories, songs, and fun activities, all to help us...

Program designed for all kids who love Dog Man!
The newest Dog Man came out earlier this week! Celebrate Pilkey’s newest in the series, Dog Man: A Sprinkle in Time with some Dog Man fun, right after school!
Join us for crafts, activities, games, and plenty of Dog Man silliness as we celebrate the newest adventure. One lucky kid will win a copy of the newest release!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=600914&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Dog Man Book Release Party (All Ages)

Dog Man Book Release Party (All Ages)

Program designed for all kids who love Dog Man!
The newest Dog Man came out earlier this week! Celebrate Pilkey’s newest in the...

Join us at Essex Library on Nov. 6 at 5:30 PM for an opening reception to celebrate the second annual Essex FilmFest! A showing of the film "What Happened Was..." is scheduled for 8 PM on Nov. 6 in the Auditorium of Centerbrook Architects.
The Essex Film Festival features Guest Filmmaker Scott Macaulay. In addition to in-depth conversations with Macaulay, the festival includes four must-see films, an opening reception and a producing masterclass. The full line-up of films includes What Happened Was…, Raising Victor Vargas, The Assistant, and Gummo. 
For more information, visit <a href="https://file:///C:/Users/Emily/Downloads/www.essexfilmfest.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.essexfilmfest.com</a>.

Local Event: Essex FilmFest: Opening Reception & Film Screening

Essex FilmFest: Opening Reception & Film Screening

Join us at Essex Library on Nov. 6 at 5:30 PM for an opening reception to celebrate the second annual Essex FilmFest! A showing...

Centerbrook Architects & Planners

The second day of the Essex FilmFest, hosted by Essex Library, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7. A producing masterclass starts at 9:30 AM with Guest Filmmaker Scott Macaulay. This is a one-hour workshop for filmmakers, writers and anyone curious about the art, craft and business of producing independent film. A line-up of films will be shown on Saturday as well. The films include: Raising Victor Vargas, The Assistant and Gummo. For more information, visit essexfilmfest.com.

Local Event: Essex FilmFest: Producing Masterclass with Scott Macaulay & Film Screenings

Essex FilmFest: Producing Masterclass with...

The second day of the Essex FilmFest, hosted by Essex Library, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7. A producing masterclass starts...

Essex FilmFest: Producing Masterclass with Scott Macaulay & Film Screenings

Rich Kirby

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Clinton

The Haddams-Killingworth

New Haven County

Alfred Branch

Madison

New London County

The Lymes

Richard Kaufman

Guilford

Durham-Middlefield

North Branford

East Hampton-Portland

Chris Dehnel

Middletown

Ellyn Santiago

Branford

Connecticut’s only nonprofit, fully integrated senior care

Masonicare

Headquartered in Connecticut and founded in 1898, Masonicare is the state’s only not-for-profit, fully integrated senior care continuum, guided by a longstanding, mission-driven commitment to enhancing quality of life for older adults. Masonicare offers vibrant residential communities and a comprehensive range of health and wellness services designed to promote independence, longevity, and purposeful living. Its statewide continuum includes independent living, assisted living services, skilled nursing, medical and non-medical home health, hospice, adaptive memory care, acute inpatient and outpatient senior behavioral health, outpatient rehabilitation, and audiology services, redefining how aging is experienced by advancing proactive wellness, integrated care, and meaningful connection at every stage of life.

Vincent Salzo

Wallingford

Headquartered in Connecticut and founded in 1898, Masonicare is the state’s only not-for-profit, fully integrated senior care continuum, guided by...

Kaleidoscope Strategic Arts Collective in Downtown Chester

Kaleidoscope LLC

Kaleidoscope stands as Connecticut's premier art gallery and curated gift shop, dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of regional artists and artisans. Strategically located in the historic downtown Chester, Connecticut, our gallery serves as a cultural cornerstone for art enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors seeking authentic, handcrafted treasures. Unparalleled Artisan Collection Our carefully curated collection features works from over 60 distinguished Connecticut artists and authors, representing the finest in regional creativity and craftsmanship. Kaleidoscope offers an ever-evolving selection of quality paintings, hand-thrown ceramics, artisan glasswork, textile arts, fine woodworking, designer jewelry, and locally-authored literature. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the rich artistic heritage and innovative spirit that defines Connecticut's creative community. Dynamic Cultural Programming Beyond our gallery walls, Kaleidoscope functions as a vibrant community hub, hosting signature events including exclusive book signings with local authors, live artist demonstrations, hands-on creative workshops, and engaging community gatherings. Our programming calendar ensures continuous opportunities for artistic discovery, skill development, and cultural enrichment. Integrated Culinary Experience Complementing your artistic journey, KaraBella's Kitchen—our in-house restaurant—provides a sophisticated dining experience, allowing guests to savor exceptional cuisine while surrounded by inspiring artwork. This unique integration of culinary and visual arts creates an immersive destination experience unmatched in the region. Visit &amp; Engage We invite art collectors, gift seekers, and culture enthusiasts to experience Kaleidoscope firsthand. Visit our downtown Chester location to explore our rotating exhibitions and discover one-of-a-kind pieces. For information about upcoming workshops, classes, and events visit our website or stop by our gallery.

Kaleidoscope stands as Connecticut's premier art gallery and curated gift shop, dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of regional...

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Friday, November 6

Saturday, November 7

Masonicare

Kaleidoscope LLC